Pro-Trump demonstrators said the president is addressing an issue important to people on Long Island.

“I grew up in Bay Shore my whole life and the gang violence has gotten a lot worse since I got out of high school,” said Brett Frazier.

Trump supporters said that regardless of what people think of the president’s policies, Long Islanders shouldn’t lose focus on illegal gangs.

“They don't get it,” said Mel Callahan, of Miller Place. “The president is here for a certain reason: MS-13. Some families lost their children. That's what it’s about today.”

Protesters upset with Trump also gathered outside the campus, unhappy with Trump’s leadership since his election.

“I am outraged that our country has been taken over by vulgar racists,” one protester told News 12 Long Island.

And some said the gang issue is just a smoke screen for anti-immigrant policies of the president.

“We are a community of immigrants. We are a nation of immigrants. And the answer to this is meaningful immigration reform,” said Shoshana Hershkowitz, of South Setauket. “It’s not demonizing an entire community.”

President Donald Trump lauded law enforcement members and vowed to eradicate the street gang MS-13 during a visit to Long Island on Friday, July 28. The president spoke at Suffolk County Community College's campus in Brentwood after introductory remarks by ICE Director Thomas Homan and Rep. Peter King. Press PLAY to watch the president's full remarks.

President Donald Trump lauded law enforcement members and vowed to eradicate the street gang MS-13 during a visit to Long Island on Friday, July 28. The president spoke at Suffolk County Community College's campus in Brentwood after introductory remarks by ICE Director Thomas Homan and Rep. Peter King. Press PLAY to watch the president's full remarks.

Recently, President Trump took his “America First” policy to the global stage at the World Economic Summit in Switzerland. News 12 asked residents on both sides of the aisle whether the policy will help or hurt the U.S.